William was born in Kell, Ill. on Feb. 6, 1930, to the late Effie Jane (Williams) and Alfred Earl Thomas. He retired from the U.S. Navy and then worked as an auction clerk for Jerry Evenson, and worked as a truck driver at various companies. Bill had also been employed at the Augusta Country Club and Prairie Trails Golf Course in El Dorado. On March 2, 1979 in Augusta he married Frances Elaine Anglemyer. She preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by sisters Clara Harrington and Helene Blain.

He is survived by son, Marc Andre Thomas and wife Shantel of Junction City; daughter, Michelle Higgins and husband Tracy of El Dorado; stepson, David Anglemyer and wife Polly of Augusta; stepdaughter, Connie Wolf and husband Randy of Augusta; brother, John Robert Thomas and wife Mary; sisters Earline Kohrig, and Eleanor Jane Morgan and husband Don all of Salem, Ill.; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.